Sweet Olive Tree . . . Today's New Orleans-a city renewed, vital and growing. The Big Easy hasn't lost its timeless charm, though. Mardi Gras, the French Quarter and Napoleonic French culture remain part of her fabric . . . as does Voodoo and the chivalrous code of protecting one's loved ones at all cost. Paris, a beautiful, raven haired, dark-eyed, musical Tulane co-ed, falls for law student Doyle. Charming and sexy beyond words, Doyle ignites an overwhelming passion within her, sweeping away her demur restraint. In return, Paris introduces him to the traditions of New Orleans and the hospitality of her moneyed, cultured family. Eventually, his ambitions constrained by their marriage, Doyle lashes out in a spontaneous act of violence. When her family rallies around the comatose Paris, Doyle's secret life begins to unravel. Erotic, suspenseful, sumptuous in its depiction of the many layers of New Orleans culture, Sweet Olive Tree captures, engrosses and delights the reader. Charlene Touby's crisp, fast moving narrative is embodies the full, arousing richness of the Crescent City.